The HBO adaptation of The Last of Us has garnered attention not only for its compelling narrative but also for its authentic connection to the original video games. Almost all the prominent voice actors from the franchise have been cast in the series, with several reprising their roles. Video game adaptations often face criticism for diverging from the source material, but this particular adaptation stands out due to the involvement of franchise creator Neil Druckmann as one of the showrunners, ensuring a faithful representation of the beloved game narratives and characters.
For the television series, Druckmann retained most of the original voice actors. Although the iconic roles of Joel and Ellie were recast with renowned actors Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey to fit the live-action format, many other voice actors returned to portray new characters or reprise their roles. This decision allowed the TV cast to feature talented individuals who previously breathed life into the game characters, enriching the series’ authenticity.
Troy Baker
The Lead Roles
Troy Baker, a seasoned voice actor known for roles like Yuri Lowell in Tales of Vesperia and Sam Drake in the Uncharted series, is best recognized as Joel Miller in The Last of Us. While he may not fit the physical profile for live-action Joel, Baker played a pivotal role in the series, taking on the character of James, David’s unsettling right-hand man in season 1, episode 8 titled “When We Are in Need.”
This cast choice adds an intriguing layer to the narrative, placing the original hero in a morally ambiguous role. James accompanies David, a character notorious for his villainous traits, including cannibalism and predatory behavior. In “When We Are in Need,” the dynamic between David and James is explored more deeply than in the game, highlighting James’ pragmatic loyalty rather than blind support, which Baker masterfully conveys.
Ashley Johnson
The Original Duo
Ashley Johnson’s extensive career has spanned a wide array of roles, but her portrayal of Ellie in The Last of Us games remains her defining achievement. Although returning to play the teenage Ellie was impractical for the live-action adaptation, Johnson’s connection to the character persists.
In the season 1 finale entitled “Look for the Light,” Johnson appears as Anna, Ellie’s mother, during an evocative flashback, depicted giving birth while facing a horrific situation. This creative decision not only enriches Ellie’s backstory but poetically symbolizes the transition of Ellie’s character to a new actress.
Merle Dandridge
The Fireflies Leader
Merle Dandridge reprises her role as Marlene, the leader of the Fireflies, having also lent her voice to various characters in the gaming world, including Alyx Vance from Half-Life 2. With a strong background in television, her transition to the live-action adaptation was seamless and natural.
In the series premiere, “When You’re Lost in the Darkness,” viewers gain deeper insights into Marlene’s leadership qualities and the complexities surrounding her decisions, particularly concerning Ellie’s immunity. This context is further elaborated in the finale, shedding light on Marlene’s past relationship with Anna, a plot element only hinted at in the games. Dandridge delivered a performance that expertly intertwined her original portrayal with new dimensions to the character.
Jeffrey Pierce
The Tough Survivor
Jeffrey Pierce is best known for his role as Tommy Miller in the Last of Us games, but for the TV adaptation, he was creatively re-cast as Perry, Kathleen’s loyal lieutenant in episodes 4 and 5. His character serves as a new narrative device, emphasizing the motivations behind the antagonists in the story.
Perry adds depth and complexity, showcasing the human side of those chasing Sam and Henry, confronted with moral dilemmas of loyalty and revenge. Pierce’s chemistry with Melissa Lynskey, who plays Kathleen, is particularly notable, enhancing the emotional gravity of their storyline.
Misty Lee & Phillip Kovats
Additional Appearances
Despite some critiques regarding the frequency of infected encounters, The Last of Us season 1 did not shy away from clicker action. Notably, the chilling sound design has been replicated from the original game, ensuring continuity in the experience for viewers. Misty Lee and Phillip Kovats, the original voice actors for the clickers, returned to provide their haunting sounds in the series, maintaining the eerie atmosphere central to the franchise.
Lee’s career spans numerous video game roles and performance arts, while Kovats is celebrated for his sound design expertise. Their contributions lend authenticity to the show’s horrific elements.
Laura Bailey
The Voice Actress
Renowned voice actress Laura Bailey has an illustrious history in the gaming industry, with noteworthy performances including Jaina Proudmoore in World of Warcraft. Nonetheless, her portrayal of the complex character Abby Anderson in The Last of Us Part II, is among her most remarkable, albeit polarizing.
Bailey appeared in the season 1 finale, “Look for the Light,” reprising her role as a distressed nurse during a pivotal moment in the plot involving Joel and Ellie. Even amidst the backlash over Abby’s narrative, Bailey’s performance has been recognized, earning her prestigious awards and acclaim, reinforcing her status in the industry. As the series progresses into its second season, Bailey’s legacy within the franchise continues to resonate.
Jeffrey Wright
The Newcomer
Acclaimed actor Jeffrey Wright, known for his powerful performances across stage and screen, joins The Last of Us cast in a notable role. Having earned accolades for his performances in both theatre and television, Wright returns as Isaac Dixon, the leader of the W.L.F., in the TV adaptation. This casting decision allows the show to explore Isaac’s character more deeply, bringing new dimensions to his storyline that were not extensively covered in the game.
With the season 2 trailer teasing a scene reminiscent of Isaac’s introduction, Wright’s portrayal promises to deliver the same level of menace and intrigue that fans have come to expect.
Could Any Other Voice Actors From The Game Appear?
As the series evolves, it’s worth speculating about other voice actors following in the footsteps of their returning counterparts. With new characters confirmed for season 2, such as Jesse from The Last of Us II, voiced by Stephen Chang in the game, there’s potential for a seamless transition into the live-action adaptation. Chang, known for his role in Bosch: Legacy, has the skillset to portray key characters within this gripping universe.
Additionally, Shannon Woodward, who voiced Ellie’s girlfriend Dina in the game, may also have a place in the series. Dina will make her appearance in season 2, portrayed by Isabella Merced, but Woodward’s talent could enhance any storyline within the series. Woodward’s history with HBO, particularly in Westworld, showcases her versatile acting prowess.
Other Video Game Adaptations Featuring Voice Actor Appearances
Several other adaptations have successfully incorporated original voice actors into their narratives. A notable example is The Witcher series on Netflix, which welcomed back several voice actors, including MyAnna Buring, who voiced a fan-favorite character in Blood and Wine, now cast as Tissaia de Vries.
Other examples include Antony Byrne, who voiced King Foltest and took on the role of a Nilfgaardian general in the adaptation, and Lu Corfield, who played Iris von Everec in the games before appearing in the show. These trends underline a growing appreciation for the voice talent that originally brought these narratives to life, enriching character portrayals in live-action formats.